by Elin from Ísafjörður asks Santa about romance movies, learns about Iceland’s remote Westfjords, and hears about the folklore of Grýla and the Yule Cat
Dear Santa, my name is Elin and I am ten years old. I live in Ísafjörður, in the Westfjords of Iceland, where my afi says our town is so tucked away between mountains that the sun disappears behind them for weeks at a time in winter.
Dear Elin, I have flown into that particular tucked-away fjord many times, and your afi’s description of the vanishing sun is entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, do you like Christmas romance movies? My older sister watches so many that our whole living room feels permanently decorated for one long movie marathon.
I catch bits of them occasionally, Elin, mostly between deliveries, and I fully understand the appeal of a cozy marathon during the darkest part of winter. It sounds like an excellent way to pass those short daylight hours.
My second question is about the Westfjords. My teacher says our region is one of the most remote and least populated parts of Iceland. Is that true?
It is, Elin. The Westfjords are rugged, mountainous, and sparsely populated, connected to the rest of Iceland by narrow roads winding around deep fjords. Flying through those steep, snowy passes each Christmas Eve takes real care from the reindeer, but the scenery makes it worthwhile every time.
My third question is about Grýla and the Yule Cat. My grandmother tells scary old stories about them every December to make sure we behave. Are those just made up, or is there real history behind them?
Grýla and the Yule Cat come from very old Icelandic folklore, Elin, stories passed down for generations, often meant to gently encourage good behavior and finishing new clothes before Christmas, in the case of the Yule Cat’s legend. They are a genuine part of Iceland’s rich storytelling tradition, and I have always respected how seriously Icelanders keep their old tales alive.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Elin Sigurðardóttir
Ísafjörður, Iceland
P.S. Have you ever actually met Grýla?
Once, briefly, Elin. We keep a respectful, professional distance.
